Drama High is inspired by the story of ground-breaking High School drama teacher Lou Volpe as chronicled in the book Drama High, which was written by one of Volpe’s students, Michael Sokolove. The pilot revolves around an extraordinary working-class High School drama department and the incredible students who come alive under a passionate teacher and family man whose dedication to the program galvanises the entire town.

Shirley Rumierk (whose credits include 11:55 and Collateral Beauty) will be playing the role of Vanessa Suarez, a hard working, no nonsense complex single mother and waitress who wants the best for her daughter Lilette even though at times her own behaviour doesn’t live up to the standards she wishes she had for herself. Joe Tippett (whose credits include License Plates and Bull) will be playing the role of Coach Doug Strickland, the high school’s football coach and Gwen’s father. Ted Sutherland (whose credits include Fan Girl and The Deuce) will be playing the role of Simon Saunders, the theatre’s leading man. Taylor Richardson (whose credits include Annie and A Most Violent Year) will be playing the role of Kaitlin Mazzuchelli, Lou and Gail’s eldest daughter and a huge fan of theatre and musicals.

The pilot has been written by Jason Katims (Friday Night Lights executive producer/showrunner) and will executive produce the project alongside Michelle Lee under the True Jack Productions banner. Jeffrey Seller (Producer of Broadway smash Hamilton) will also executive produce the project alongside Flody Suarez under the Seller Suarez Productions banner. The cast for Drama High so far includes Auli’i Cravalho, Rosie Perez, Rarmian Newton, Shannon Purser, Josh Radnor and Damon J. Gillespie.